Resources and Education

Diabetes has become one of the most common and serious conditions in children.

At Winthrop Pediatric Associates, young people living with diabetes and their families have a specialized program to call their own. The Pediatric Diabetes Program at Winthrop Pediatric Associates, which includes comprehensive diabetes education and insulin pump training, has helped thousands of young people to manage their diabetes.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is also called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. It is a chronic disease where the body is no longer producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas. Insulin performs many functions in the body but effects the way we use food for energy. Glucose in the food is used for energy for the cell. Insulin opens the receptor of the cell and allows the glucose to enter the cell and produce energy. Children with Type 1 Diabetes do not produce insulin in their pancreas. It is the most common type of diabetes in children and youth.

What is the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes?

Administering insulin either by injection or pump (insulin cannot be given by mouth since it is destroyed by the gastric juices), having an appropriate healthy meal plan and an exercise regimen. Performing blood glucose readings on a meter at varied times during the day is essential in order to assess if the treatment is appropriate for that child at that particular time or if adjustments in the regimen are required.

What is the Goal of Treatment?

Provide as normal blood glucose readings as possible in order to prevent or minimize the acute and chronic complications that are associated with diabetes

To assist the child in achieving normal psychological, social and emotional development

What causes Type 1 Diabetes?

Scientists are not sure why Type 1 Diabetes develops. They theorize that it is a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors that causes the body’s autoimmune reaction.

Can Type 1 Diabetes be prevented?

There is nothing that can be done to prevent Type 1 Diabetes. However, there are research projects currently ongoing to see if they can assess who is more likely to develop this condition and study if they can prevent or delay the onset.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas makes insulin but it is not used properly in the body. This condition is more commonly found in people over 40 years but most recently has been diagnosed in overweight children and teens.

What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

The symptoms that can occur can be the same as Type 1 Diabetes.

What causes Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is usually caused by a combination of factors such as being overweight, having insulin insensitivity and genetic components.

What is the Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes?

Treatment varies dependent on the child’s condition and blood glucose readings. Insulin may be utilized or oral antihyperglycemic agents or other oral agents. According to the condition the medication is combined with a healthy meal plan and appropriate exercise regimen. Blood glucose monitoring is essential to assess if the treatment regimen is effective.

Can Type 2 Diabetes be prevented?

There is a possibility its onset could be delayed or prevented by maintaining a normal weight, eating a healthy meal plan and exercising regularly.

The Content on this website should not be considered medical advice and is not intended as medical advice. You should always talk to your health care professionals for diagnosis and treatment, including information regarding which drugs or treatment may be appropriate for you.